Family's fears for 'last chance' Gazza in battle with drink

FOOTBALL legend Paul Gascoigne last night checked into an American addiction clinic after having a drinking relapse.

Celebrity interviewer and friend of the footballer, Piers Morgan is understood to have orchestrated what his family fear to be Gascoigne's final chance to beat the drink.

Last night Gascoigne's agent Terry Baker confirmed that Gazza had "willingly" admitted himself to an American clinic - believed to be situated close to Los Angeles and frequented by numerous Hollywood stars.

In a statement, GamePlan Solutions said Gazza was touched by support shown by fans and figures within football over the past few days.

"Alcoholic Paul Gascoigne has been experiencing a tough time of late. He has been asking for help and has willingly been admitted to a treatment centre in America.

"He has complex issues that are currently being dealt with by professionals. Paul has been extremely touched and overwhelmed by the generous offers of help and support over the past few days. He is motivated to fully understand and control his addiction problem under guidance."

I can only hope he finds peace somehow, but fear those hopes may be forlorn

The Newcastle-born 45-yearold had been living alone in a £1,600-a-month flat in Bournemouth since attending an alcohol addiction centre in the resort.

But he appeared to breakdown at a personal appearance last week, rambling incoherently about being "on the whisky" before sobbing.

Over the weekend the Euro 96 hero, who has previously told how he would drink four bottles of whisky a day, visited a number of off-licences to stock up on alcohol.

The football world has shown its concern at the latest troubled episode in the life of Gascoigne, one of England's most naturally gifted players.

England and Chelsea star Frank Lampard told how his "idol" Gascoigne took him under his wing as a young player. He said: "I've got no message for him now, I don't know enough about it.

"Whatever anyone says about Paul Gascoigne, he was my hero and he'll always be that."

At the weekend, Match Of The Day presenter teammate Gary Lineker said he feared for his former England colleague.

Writing on Twitter he said: "I can only hope he finds peace somehow, but fear those hopes may be forlorn."